First off, let me say this is not a .243 vs. .308 thread! There have been plenty of those, and they've told me just about everything I need to know. I think both calibers would work for me (primarily putting holes in paper up to 600 yards, maybe some North Carolina-sized deer). I figure around 750-1000 hand-loaded rounds will go down the barrel every year.
What I want to know, maybe from someone who has shot Savages before, is whether or not there really is such a huge difference in barrel life in Savage barrels between the .243 and .308. I'm leaning toward the .243, and even if it's barrel won't last quite as long, it's also about $100 less than the .308. I can't find a Savage 12 Low Profile Varminter (the one I like most) under $700 in .308, but Buds has the .243 for $610 shipped.
Also, Savage tells me that they don't distinguish between two different calibers in terms of their testing for barrel life. They say 5000 rounds is typical for all barrels.
Anyway, I was wondering if someone has experience with both calibers and can say whether the difference is big enough to merit considering the .308. Again, both calibers will meet my target shooting and future hunting (I don't hunt now, but am interested) needs, but I don't know if I want to change out the barrel after a year or two.
Thanks for the advice.
What I want to know, maybe from someone who has shot Savages before, is whether or not there really is such a huge difference in barrel life in Savage barrels between the .243 and .308. I'm leaning toward the .243, and even if it's barrel won't last quite as long, it's also about $100 less than the .308. I can't find a Savage 12 Low Profile Varminter (the one I like most) under $700 in .308, but Buds has the .243 for $610 shipped.
Also, Savage tells me that they don't distinguish between two different calibers in terms of their testing for barrel life. They say 5000 rounds is typical for all barrels.
Anyway, I was wondering if someone has experience with both calibers and can say whether the difference is big enough to merit considering the .308. Again, both calibers will meet my target shooting and future hunting (I don't hunt now, but am interested) needs, but I don't know if I want to change out the barrel after a year or two.
Thanks for the advice.